Bunions are not just unattractive—they can also cause pain and even affect your ability to walk, exercise, and even drive in severe cases. If a bunion is large enough, it can even make it difficult to fit into your shoes! In most cases, bunions can be managed and treated conservatively with just a few lifestyle adjustments and modifications. Unfortunately, bunions can also get progressively worse over time, causing pain and putting you at risk for joint damage. Here at Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. in Chicago, IL, our podiatrists offer diagnostic and treatment options for bunions and other foot and ankle injuries and conditions—read on to learn how we can help your condition.

What Exactly is a Bunion?

Bunions are caused by damage to the metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint, and manifest themselves as bumps at the base of the big toe, sometimes going so far as to curve the big toe away from the joint and towards the other toes. Bunions can be painful and cause symptoms such as swelling, redness, calluses, and corns due to the friction between the bunion and your shoes. Arthritis in the MTP joint can also limit your range of motion and make movement painful.

What Causes Bunions?

Anyone can develop a bunion without an obvious underlying reason, but there are some factors that can increase your risk and make you more susceptible to bunions. Some of the biggest risk factors include:

• Wearing high heels and narrow shoes that crowd the toes
• Spending a lot of time on your feet
• Heredity and family history
• Have flat feet/low arches
• An injury to the joint
• Arthritis

How We Can Help

Generally, depending on the size of the bunion and the severity of your symptoms, our podiatrists initially recommend conservative treatments such as applying ice, taking medication (ibuprofen or cortisone), using a splint, or wearing supportive insoles/orthotics. However, if you have extensive joint damage, surgery is sometimes recommended to remove damaged tissue and repair the joint. To decide which treatment is best for your situation, we will examine your bunion during a consultation at one of our Chicago offices. At this point, we will then discuss your options with you in order to determine the best course of action.

Contact Us

For more information about your risk for developing bunions and the treatment options available to you, contact Affiliated Podiatrists, Ltd. by dialing (773) 202-8800 or (773) 696-4700 to schedule an appointment at one of our two Chicago locations.

This new laser treatment can target chronic and acute pain and inflammation.

Oh the places you go, thanks to your feet; however, this often means that at some point you may deal with foot discomfort. If foot and ankle pain has been going on for some time then our Chicago podiatrists can help.

While we offer a wide range of treatment options to cater to both acute and chronic pain and inflammation, Affiliated Podiatrists is also pleased to offer patients the MLS (Multi-Wave Locked System) 6 laser made by Cutting Edge for providing more effective pain relief.
 

What is MLS laser therapy?

This revolutionary, FDA-cleared laser treatment is used to reduce pain and inflammation while improving blood flow and healing to areas of the body including the feet. This laser has the ability to stimulate the body’s natural healing response, making it a safe way to target and eliminate pain. Plus, laser therapy offers a simple solution for managing pain without having to take medication for the long term or undergo invasive surgery.
 

Who could benefit from getting MLS laser therapy?

You may benefit from this laser treatment if you are dealing with,

• Muscle spasms
• Plantar fasciitis
• Sports-related injuries
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome
• Stress fractures
• Tendonitis
• Strains and sprains

Many musculoskeletal injuries or problems that lead to pain and inflammation in the feet and ankles could benefit from this simple laser therapy.
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What should I expect from this treatment?

In less than 10 minutes this laser system is directed over the affected foot, delivering energy into the body and stimulating the natural healing response. Before getting treatment our foot doctor will sit down with you and discuss the issues you are having. Based on the type and severity of the condition or injury, we will determine how many sessions you will need in order to receive the best results. In most cases, patients will need to undergo anywhere from 6-8 separate treatment sessions.

Affiliated Podiatrists has two offices in Chicago to provide more patients with the highest quality foot care possible. If you are dealing with chronic foot pain and inflammation that isn’t responding to conservative care then it’s time to sit down with one of our podiatrists to find out if MLS laser therapy is right for you.

PinPointe Laser Treatment for Toenail Fungus

Struggling with toenail fungus? Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the toenail caused by fungus. It can make your toenail get thicker or change color. It can also be painful. If you suffer from toenail fungus, laser treatment can help. The PinPointe FootLaser provides effective, comfortable treatment of toenail fungus. Affiliated Podiatrists, which has two offices in Chicago, IL, offers PinPointe laser treatments to the patients they serve.

What is Toenail Fungus?

Toenail fungus is an infection underneath the surface of the nail caused by fungus. Toenail fungal infections can range from a simple nuisance to a significant problem in a person’s life. A toenail fungal infection is progressive and won't go away without treatment. A proper diagnosis and treatment can increase your chances of success and prevent long-term damage to the toenail.

How Does Nail Fungus Affect my Life?

A toenail fungal infection can be distressing and have a negative effect on your quality of life. Many patients who are suffering from toenail fungus feel embarrassed about their condition. Many patients avoid wearing sandals because of how their toenails look. Toenail fungus can also lead to pain and mobility problems.

How Does PinPointe FootLaser Work?

The laser works by shining a beam of light into a nail infected with fungus. The laser penetrates the nail and vaporizes fungus embedded in the nail plate and nail bed where toenail fungus exists. The biggest difference between nail fungus laser treatment and other treatments such as medications or topical treatments is that it reaches to the core of the infection and destroys the fungus completely.

Are Laser Treatments Painful?

PinPointe laser treatments are minimally invasive. The laser light beam does not harm the toenail or surrounding skin. PinPointe laser treatments are virtually painless, and there is no need for anesthesia. The procedure typically takes only 30-minutes to complete. Pinpointe laser treatments make it comfortable, easy and effective to finally get rid of toenail fungus.

Are PinPointe Laser Treatments Safe?

PinPointe laser treatment is safe and effective. It has been approved by the FDA and doesn’t involve any bandaging. There are no associated side effects with using PinPointe laser treatments in treating toenail fungal infections.

Toenail fungus can be treated with the PinPointe FootLaser, saving years of pain and embarrassment. Call Affiliated Podiatrists at (773) 202-8800 today to schedule an appointment for our office on N. Central Ave. in Chicago, IL. Call (773) 696-4700 to schedule an appointment for our office on W. Addison St. in Chicago, IL. You will experience exemplary service and world-class care at Affiliated Podiatrists!

Love Thy Neighbor

We just love our new neighbors!

After 15 years at our last location, we moved to the Edgebrook business district, one block north of Devon & Central Avenues.

Now, the Chamber of Commerce wants to host a “Ribbon Cutting Ceremony,” Tuesday, April 2nd, at 1 pm.

Join us at 6445 N. Central Avenue!

How your podiatrists in Chicago, IL, can help with bunion pain

Bunions can make it difficult to go about your day. Bunions appear as hard, bony lumps on the side of your big toe, and are usually caused by wearing shoes that are too narrow, as they cause your toes to crush together. High heels add to the problem by pushing your toes forward, which is why bunions are more common in women. With two convenient office locations in Chicago, IL, the podiatrists at Affiliated Podiatrists can treat your bunions and relieve your pain. Read on to learn more about bunions, and call Affiliated Podiatrists for direct treatment!

More about Bunions

Narrow footwear isn’t the only factor that causes bunions. They can also be caused by a genetic bone deformity in your feet, a foot injury or trauma, rheumatoid arthritis, or foot stress at work or from your activities.

For small bunions and minor bunion pain, you may get relief from a few simple treatments you can do at home. You can try:

• Icing your bunion several times during the day
• Taping around the bunion for additional cushioning
• Placing inserts or padding inside your shoes to support the bunion
• Changing to wider, more supportive footwear
• Taking Tylenol or ibuprofen to reduce swelling and pain

If you have a larger, moderate or severely painful bunion, it’s time to visit your Chicago podiatrists. There are several effective treatments they may recommend, including:

• Removing calluses and corns to reduce friction
• Custom-fit orthotics and footwear to add support
• Physical therapy and stretching to maintain mobility
• Night splints to help realign your toe and foot
• Surgical therapy to remove the bunion, known as a bunionectomy

Need Bunion Treatment In Chicago? Give Us a Call!

Don’t put up with bunion pain when help is just a phone call away. For more information about bunions and other common foot conditions, call Affiliated Podiatrists today at either (773) 202-8800 for the N. Central Ave location or (773) 696-4700 for the office on W. Addison St.